Xiao Lingyin didn't go straight home.
Instead, she came to a small temple.
She stood in front of the statue, clasped her hands together, first thanking the deity for protecting this small island, and then began to tell her troubles.
She felt the long-lost warmth of home in Liu Ming, but she was also very reluctant to leave this place.
She, who had always been positive and optimistic, was now finding it a bit difficult to make a choice.
As they were talking, a small animal suddenly ran out of the nearby bushes.
It was rubbing its head against Xiao Lingyin's calf, startling Xiao Lingyin.
She squatted down and looked at the small animal.
"It's quite cute, but are you a cat, a dog, or a rabbit? I can't quite tell," Xiao Lingyin said, curiously examining it.
The small animal neither ran nor barked, it just squatted there, looking at her.
Seeing that its front paw seemed injured, Xiao Lingyin carried it home.
...
On the other side,
Liu Ming came before Sora, not speaking, just staring at her directly.
Sora felt uncomfortable under his gaze and wanted to find a place to hide.
However, the others, seeing that something was wrong, all ran away, even her sister Miyu unloyally hid.
"Uncle, is there something you need?" Sora swallowed, asking nervously.
"What do you think?" Liu Ming said calmly.
But this only made him seem more terrifying.
Sora swallowed again.
"Tell me, what's going on with Xiao Lingyin? Why do I feel like her heart is very uneasy?" Liu Ming asked, puzzled.
"This~~ How would I know?" Sora's eyes darted around, avoiding Liu Ming's gaze.
Liu Ming reached out his hand.
Sora thought Liu Ming was going to hit her and closed her eyes in fear.
However, the expected pain did not come; instead, a warm palm rested on her head.
Liu Ming gently ruffled Sora's hair.
"Uncle~" Sora looked at Liu Ming.
"If you don't want to say, then forget it. After all, a good child like Sora wouldn't do anything to hurt others."
Sora's heart trembled, and her eyes reddened.
"Uh~~" Liu Ming was stunned. He hadn't done anything excessive, had he? Why was Sora crying?
Just as Liu Ming was about to say something more, Sora tugged at his clothes.
At this point, Sora no longer intended to hide anything and briefly recounted the conversation she had just had with Xiao Lingyin.
Liu Ming opened his mouth, then let out a wry smile.
"Did I do something wrong?" Seeing Liu Ming's expression, Sora couldn't help but feel uneasy.
"I know you meant well, but Xiao Lingyin and I have only met twice. Talking to her like that could easily scare her.
Moreover, it's not appropriate for a child like you to say it.
Because I am the one who will take care of her in the future, only if I, as the person involved, express my thoughts, will Xiao Lingyin not overthink things."
"Then I didn't make a mistake?" Sora regretted her impulsiveness a little.
"Of course not, don't overthink it, leave this matter to me," Liu Ming said, patting her head comfortingly.
Liu Ming said goodbye to everyone and then left the shop.
But he hadn't walked far when he stopped. He turned his head and calmly asked, "Tohru, aren't you coming out yet?"
"Hehe~~" Tohru suddenly jumped out from around a corner.
"Why did you follow me?" Liu Ming asked, surprised.
"I wanted to walk with Xiao Ming," Tohru said.
Liu Ming then realized that he seemed to have neglected Tohru a bit lately.
Every day, he was either taking Xiao Hina and Kanna out to play or sending Tohru to look after Tadokoro Megumi and the others.
Unlike Elma, although Tohru didn't dislike Tadokoro Megumi and the others now, she probably preferred to be by Liu Ming's side.
Tohru was the first person Liu Ming had met, and she had always wholeheartedly helped him.
How could Liu Ming refuse such a person?
He smiled at Tohru, reached out, and took her small hand, "Then let's walk together."
"Hey~" Tohru smiled brightly, took two steps forward, and walked alongside Liu Ming.
The two chatted and laughed, and soon arrived at Suzune Restaurant.
At this moment, Xiao Lingyin was playing with the small animal.
Liu Ming was about to step forward but was held back by Tohru.
Tohru stared at the small animal warily, her body tensing up, as if ready to strike if things went south